Preparing for Competition Day
So the day approaches! More swiftly than you probably really want it to! Hopefully you manage your time well and have everything prepared and placed on your board with time to spare, but if you're anything like us you're probably about to pull several late nights to get everything together. Regardless, time marches on, so here are some suggestions for things to consider leading up to competition day.
1. Make sure that you have everything you need..
We always bring a bag of emergency office supplies with us to competition in case of sudden discovery of issues.That go bag includes: tape, scissors, poster tack, a hole punch, pen/pencil, a few standard size index cards, a stamped envelope, a glue stick, and a backup copy of every element that was printed out on our board (ex: graphs, blocks of text, etc.). You will thank yourself when you have everything you need instead of making a panic run to dollar tree 20 minutes before you have to leave the setup room.
2. Plan your outfit.
It is frequently unseasonably cold, unseasonably hot, raining, or windy on competition day. Mother nature likes to throw a curveball whenever she can so plan your outfit for utility as well as to look nice and professional. Business casual is typically preferred so try to avoid items like denim while still dressing comfortably. You'll probably have to do more walking than you expect so wear shoes that won't hurt you and bring a blister bandaid just in case. The waiting rooms are often very cold so a jacket or sweater is always a good idea. Make sure that at least one of your clothing items has pockets. Also, nobody wants to have to try and pick out a nice outfit the day of the competition, so having your clothes set out beforehand saves time and mental energy.
3. Practice Practice Practice
The best way to ensure a smooth presentation is to know your project inside and out. Practicing your presentation (especially in front of an audience that can give feedback) is absolutely vital. However, make sure that you don't overextend yourself on competition day. You can practice in the car on the way to the venue, but once you get there do your best to relax and calm your mind. The less stressed you are, the better your final presentation will be. For more tips on presenting, check out: Presenting your Board: a survival guide.
4. Self Care!
Make sure you eat and sleep! Getting everything done can feel like a monumental task, but if you neglect sleep and food, you'll be less productive than if you took the time to take care of your body. Make sure you get a good night's sleep, eat breakfast (protein rich foods like eggs help your brain power up!), pack a snack, and bring an activity to keep yourself entertained. Parents, please try to avoid the urge to grill your kid on their knowledge right before they leave. Trust in the practice you've already done and let them play a game or read a book. Engaging in a calming activity before judging will help them be more relaxed, allowing for a clearer, slower, and more confident presentation.
Take a deep breath! Although it may be a bit nerve wracking, remember that the math fair is supposed to be fun. You worked super hard, and whether you win or lose now is up to the judges. If you do win, try to stay humble but make sure you enjoy it and congratulate yourself too. (more on that in How to Win Humbly and Lose Gracefully) If you don't win, remember that you learned a lot and your experience in this fair will be super valuable next year! Don't give up! Try to keep a level head and have a good time. Good luck!